On Friday, Michigan basketball coach John Beilein said it doesn't make sense to chance putting the 6-foot-10 sophomore forward back into the lineup this late in the year as he continues to recover from a right foot injury.

"We're just working him hard in half court (during practice) and thinking about the future," Beilein said. "I don't think it makes much sense (to play him now).

"It's not fair to him."

Horford's injury has been unfortunate as I thought he was posed for a breakout season, and the team could have used him in a number of recent games. He'll be eligible to apply for a medical redshirt at a later date.

Also on the injury front, Carlton Brundidge returned to practice yesterday and may be ready to play in Saturday's Purdue game. He's missed several games because of complications from asthma.

"He was sick before our last trip, he had an upper respiratory infection, so he didn't make the trip," Beilein said. "He practiced (Thursday) and (could be) full-go (on Saturday)."

I share your optimism, but this squad, while not supremely talented, is a very well composed basketball team. For me, they're a joy to watch, to an extent that very few Michigan teams the last 20 years have been. There are 5 very likeable starters, one solid, though inconsistent bench player + another who can make a few timely threes (and a couple of hard working bigs). The hard work this squad puts in game after game, rarely disappointing and managing to pull though in several close contests, I don't see how you can not enjoy this season.

I think we have a very legit shot at a deep tourney run this year, though it's going to take a hot Tim Hardaway to do it. He's our key down the stretch, if he and Burke can create a bit more for each other and not just for themselves and others, I think we can beat just about anybody.

Horford was my favorite player until Morgan rose up..... and this is gonna be a great thing to see next year... a mature Horford... right now he is still quite green in many ways... but I'm hoping to see the man in him come out in the court next year.

time he was playing was before the injury if I recall right. I love the kid just think he needs to put on some weight with his frame he looks like he has room to grow. Kinda reminds me of Coltan Christian body wise.

I don't think it would be necessarily bad for him to put on a little more weight, but to call him "a skinny skinny kid" is absurd. That's a better description for the Pistons' Austin Daye, 6'11", 200 lbs.

It's relative. Austin Daye is very skinny, but he's also not a center. You can be a string bean and play SF, but if you're going to bang around down low, you need more beef.

The poster above was exagerating, but for his frame Horford needs more beef, no doubt about it. If he was about 260 or 265, he'd be able to hold his own a lot better on the blocks, and would be a beast to have in for us.

Horford won't and shouldn't get to 260 pounds. That is too big for his frame. Basketball is a game of speed, strength and quickness, I don't believe for a second Horford's optimal weight is 260. What he gains in size he loses more in other areas.

Kevin Love dropped 25 pounds in the off season because he thought it would help his game Love has a much bigger frame than Horford. Horford needs to get stronger but not necessarily bigger. 260 pounds would put more stress on his knees and feet, I don't think he wants that.

I made no secret about thinking Horford was ready for a breakout season. I hope he gets his redshirt and is able to recover fully from his injuries. It seems to be taking him as long to "grow into his body" as it did his dad. His dad turned out OK, though.

A few weeks ago and he told me he was probably going to red shirt. He seemed OK with it and was upbeat about the whole situation. I think he wants to be 100% and the coaches have done a great job getting him on board with the decision. He is a great young man and will come back better next year.

I am glad Horford is fine with being redshirted. I think this will benefit us for the next few years. It sucks we can't have him this year since I think we could be a sleeper Final 4 team, but having Horford for an extra year will be nice.

Its always sad to see an injury wipe out the entire end of regular season and possible long run in the post-season. But it's even sadder when reality is ignored by coach and player, with ensuing disappointment and worse-- aggravation of the original injury. As Scarlet once said: tomorrow is another day! We will see Mr. Horford come back stronger, faster, better!

I hope he comes back stronger. When he was getting the starts ahead of Morgan in the early season it made me think that Morgan must have really regressed because Horford wasn't particularly impressive.